State-backed hackers are using artificial intelligence and automation to carry out cyberattacks at increasing speed and scale, raising concerns that defenders may struggle to keep pace, Axios reported.
China-linked hackers used an AI-powered tool called Artex to target more than 200 organisations in 14 countries over 11 days last month, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike found.
Artex is among a growing number of tools that can automate tasks previously performed by skilled human hackers.
But recent attacks have also exposed security weaknesses that may not require sophisticated technology. Hackers tampered with refrigeration systems at dozens of European grocery stores in a single night, raising temperatures and spoiling food. Some observers linked the attack to Russia.
There is no clear evidence that AI or automation was used in the refrigeration attack.
Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre warned Tuesday that AI could accelerate existing hacking tactics, leaving organisations with weak defences and outdated technology particularly vulnerable.
